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7.9 km • ~11 mins

How to Get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Deira

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about 7.9 km north-east of Deira. Depending on your choice, the trip takes about 11 minutes by road or about 25-35 minutes by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026 • 7.9 km road distance

Official RTA Airport Taxi

Metered
11 mins •24/7 at All Terminals
€10.00 - €11.50 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2-3 Pieces in Boot
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs for the official taxi rank at your terminal's Arrivals level.
  2. Join the queue and tell the driver 'Deira' or show your hotel address.
  3. Make sure the meter starts at about 25 AED; Salik tolls are added automatically if the route crosses a toll gate.
  4. Pay by cash or card; ask before the ride if paying by card.
  5. Exit at your Deira destination.

Dubai Metro Red Line

Cheapest
25 mins •Every Few Minutes
€0.70 / Person + Nol Card
Luggage: 2 Pieces (Size Limits)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. If you land at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, follow signs to the Airport T1 or Airport T3 Metro station; Terminal 2 has no Metro station, so take a taxi or RTA bus to the nearest station first.
  2. Buy a Silver Nol card at the ticket office or machine; the card costs about €6.10 including credit.
  3. Take a Red line train towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 and ride about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Get off at City Centre Deira, Al Rigga or Union station in Deira.
  5. Exit and walk or take a short taxi to your final address.

RTA Public Bus

Local Bus
35 mins •See S'hail App
€0.70 - €2.10 / Person
Luggage: Limited
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the RTA bus stands at your terminal's Arrivals.
  2. Buy a Silver Nol card if you do not have one; buses do not accept cash.
  3. Check the S'hail app or rta.ae for the current route toward Deira.
  4. Board the bus and tap your Nol card on the reader.
  5. Get off at the stop closest to your Deira hotel and walk or take a short taxi.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use official taxi ranks at Arrivals; avoid touts offering rides in the terminal.
  • Taxis must use the meter with the airport starting fare of about 25 AED; refuse fixed-price offers.
  • Buses and Metro require a Nol card; cash is not accepted on board.
  • Salik road tolls are added to metered fares; confirm card payment before the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from DXB to Deira?

By taxi or private transfer, about 11 minutes without heavy traffic. By Dubai Metro Red Line, about 25-35 minutes including walking and waiting.

What is the cheapest way to get from DXB to Deira?

The Dubai Metro Red Line, about €0.70 per trip with a Silver Nol card. The card itself costs about €6.10 including usable credit.

Does the Dubai Metro run at night from DXB?

The Metro runs from about 05:00 to midnight, and until 01:00 on Friday. Outside these hours take an official taxi or pre-booked private transfer.

Can I bring large suitcases on the Metro?

Only up to two pieces per person, one large up to 81 x 58 x 30 cm and one small. Passengers with bigger or more luggage should take a taxi.

Are RTA taxis from DXB metered?

Yes, official RTA taxis are metered with a starting fare of about 25 AED. Card payment is widely accepted but confirm with the driver before the ride.

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